BY MARK AND KYM HILINSKI
#Hilinski’sHope, founded by Mark and Kym #Hilinski, advocates for increased #mentalhealth resources and awareness at universities and colleges across the country. Mark and Kym #Hilinski lost their son Tyler to suicide in 2018.
On Jan. 16, 2018, our son Tyler lost hope – and we lost Tyler.
We knew him as this bright light shining at our dinner table, on our family vacations and on the football field for the world to see. His smile shared beams of joy and illuminated the world around us, but we did not know that behind his sweet and happy face was a darkness taking hold of his soul.
Ultimately, #depression/#anxiety took hold, his brain betrayed him and Tyler died by #suicide.
Over the past 18 months our family has struggled with the pain, the anger, the frustration, the helplessness, the fear and the hopelessness that follows such a tragic event. We have also learned that we are not alone as 36,700 men die by #suicide in the US each year – making it the second-leading cause of death of #men ages 10-34.
In a study by #Depression & #Anxiety, researchers found that 1 in 4 college students had been diagnosed with or treated for a #mentalhealthissue; 20% of all students surveyed thought about #suicide and 9% had attempted it.
Those numbers are heartbreaking. This is an epidemic that is going untreated and is often ignored. Why is this? Simply put … #stigma. The darkness which surrounds #mentalhealth – both as a discussion topic and also for those battling its grip – has to be addressed. Those struggling with it need to be able to see the hope which can often be so elusive. To know that at the end of the day: You are not alone in this fight.
#JamesDonaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space. #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
That is why #Hilinski’sHope is going on the road as much as possible to spread the word. It’s why we’ve taken trips to UCLA, Oregon State, Ole Miss, Idaho, Stony Brook and right here at the University of South Carolina – with many more planned. Universities need to understand what needs to be done to bolster their resources for students, from providing more trained professionals to educating others on how to spot the warning signs.
Even in the darkest moments, everyone can have a conversation. This is really what our mission has been all along: to open up the lines of communication to bring this issue out into the light where it can be treated and dealt with, not festering away in the darkness.
It can be a conversation with a friend, a teammate or a colleague. A conversation about what’s happening in your head, what’s bringing you joy and where you find hope. Two people talking can do all of that, and these conversations can change lives and end the #stigma around #mentalhealth.
While we know this won’t bring back Tyler or others we’ve lost, we feel we can demonstrate strength through vulnerability and share our stories of struggle to lift each other up. Together we can provide the light for others to find their way through their darkness, and we can create hope for brighter days ahead for all of us.
Mark and Kym #Hilinski are the founders of #Hilinski’sHope. #Hilinski’sHope Foundation (H3H) helps save lives by eliminating #stigma and scaling #mental wellness programs for #studentathletes. H3H does this by sharing Tyler’s story, connecting students with #mentalhealth resources and assisting universities to institutionalize best practices. H3H envisions a world where mental health is supported in parity with physical health. To learn more about #Hilinski’sHope please visit www.hilinskishope.orgor text H3Hope to 44321 to donate.
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
